FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Williams aims to help build a county government that works for everyday people by lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Nikko Remigio’s reputation as a return man isn’t splashy plays, but rather excellent ball security.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

The agreement also means prime farmland won’t be taken out of production and gives the state a new water source to help the ecosystem, Endean said.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
In the meantime, the Rays and Brewers provide prime examples of how smaller-market teams can win in today’s MLB.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

The special effects team has done terrific work re-creating his body down to the creature’s fringed lashes.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Even detractors say star Tom Rhys Harries is terrific in his major leading role debut, and praise the film’s use of practical effects.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Our research and engineering remain world-class, but our record of getting ideas to market and improving how products are made has been less stellar.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The matchup features an intriguing battle on the mound between two stellar starting pitchers.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

As for Hüller, this is another superb performance in a series of them in recent years.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Jansen then trapped Travis Head lbw for 14 after a review and Simon Harmer took a superb catch at gully to send back Marnus Labuschagne (14) with Australia reduced to 45-4 in 14 overs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Amenities and experiences The alfresco pool is lovely, but ongoing construction in the area at the moment is a bit of an eyesore.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
Maybe the two can take the nips out on a lovely date to the Wicker 4DX screenings later this month.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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